Understanding Symptoms: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Symptoms of lung cancer? Hello Doctor, I have long experienced symptoms of cough and poor cold resistance, often diagnosed as asthma. On May 13, I had acute cold symptoms such as fever and cough, which triggered severe coughing episodes resembling asthma attacks. Around May 25, t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: A normal chest X-ray indicates that there are no obvious lung tumors and no extrapulmonary symptoms. Your related tests do not appear to be typical of asthma. If the medication provides improvement, it is recommended to continue using it, as these medications can help with...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Should You Worry About Lung Cancer?
Understanding Cough, Chest Pain, and Lung Nodules: Key Concerns
Recent concerns about cough, chest pain, and pulmonary nodules? Due to a family history of lung cancer (grandmother) and experiencing some respiratory symptoms earlier this year, I paid out of pocket for a low-dose CT scan, which revealed a 0.45 cm lung nodule. At that time, the ...
Dr. Zhou Ziguang Reply:
1. If the nodule is malignant, it may increase in size after six months. If it does increase, a biopsy may need to be considered. If you are still concerned about the 0.45 cm nodule, you can discuss with a thoracic surgeon the possibility of an earlier biopsy. 2. Coughing is usua...[Read More] Understanding Cough, Chest Pain, and Lung Nodules: Key Concerns
Understanding Bacterial Infections and Treatment in Respiratory Health
Bacterial and pleural infiltration..? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a few questions... I developed yellow, foul-smelling nasal discharge due to a cold, and after seeing a doctor, it did not improve. It progressed to an upper and lower respiratory tract infection, with sinusit...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It is common for normal nasal cavities and respiratory tracts to coexist with commensal bacteria, so the presence of bacteria in cultures does not necessarily indicate an infection or disease. However, based on your description, this condition may involve sinusitis and a m...[Read More] Understanding Bacterial Infections and Treatment in Respiratory Health
Alternative Treatments for Pneumoconiosis: Exploring New Options
Are there other treatment options for pneumoconiosis? My father has been taking medication for pneumoconiosis for 5 to 6 years, but there has been no improvement. A few months ago, he underwent further examination, and the cardiologist noted that there are bacteria in his lungs a...
Dr. Huang Ruiming Reply:
Dear Miss K: Pneumoconiosis is an occupational respiratory disease caused by the inhalation of dust. Currently, it cannot be cured, but to prevent respiratory failure due to infections, it is advisable to seek treatment from a specialist in pulmonary medicine. The Hualien Hospita...[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Pneumoconiosis: Exploring New Options
Understanding Lung Nodules: Should You Be Concerned About Size Changes?
Pulmonary nodule enlargement? Hello Doctor, I had a health check-up at Taipei Kang Ning Hospital last December, and there were about six nodules in my lungs, two of which were larger GGO (ground-glass opacities) with the hospital report indicating sizes of 0.55 and 0.5. In April ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The changes are indeed minimal and within the measurement error range, unlike the behavior of tumor cells. It is recommended to follow the physician's advice for annual CT scans. If you are still concerned, a follow-up chest X-ray after six months can also be consider...[Read More] Understanding Lung Nodules: Should You Be Concerned About Size Changes?
Persistent Dry Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Persistent cough? Hello doctor, I have been coughing for over a month now, and it's a dry cough. It has made my throat very painful and dry, and I also feel some discomfort in my chest. I have seen a doctor and received an injection, but the cough only stopped for one day (t...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: First, see a pulmonologist for a chest X-ray to confirm that there are no abnormalities in the lungs. If there is a poor response to Western medicine, you may also consider consulting a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to discuss any dietary and lifestyle consider...[Read More] Persistent Dry Cough: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Understanding Throat Tightness and Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Feeling of throat obstruction and chest tightness? Hello, doctor: I once choked while eating, which caused severe coughing. Later, I forced myself to swallow to suppress the reflexive cough. After suppressing it, I felt a contraction in my throat muscles, and I started experienci...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: A chest CT scan may provide a clearer view of subtle changes in the lungs.[Read More] Understanding Throat Tightness and Chest Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Unexplained Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns Explored
Unexplained pain in the left chest? Hello Dr. Yang, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your patient response to another question. I do not smoke or drink alcohol, but I have been experiencing chronic post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux. I have been on choles...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your clear description! Based on the previous suggestion, you can consider seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to adjust your constitution and modify certain lifestyle habits.[Read More] Unexplained Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns Explored
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Left chest tightness and pain, near the heart area? Sudden chest discomfort without any physical impact, characterized by a dull ache rather than sharp pain or palpitations. I have been experiencing intermittent left chest pain for three days (with fluctuations in intensity). Aft...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your age indicates a lower probability of heart disease, and your electrocardiogram shows no abnormalities. It seems more like neuralgia (consider adjusting your lifestyle if you are experiencing high stress and a fast pace of life), or it could be esophageal spasm or gast...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Latent vs. Active Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know
Question about pulmonary tuberculosis? In the case of tuberculosis (TB), if a person shows no symptoms, has no discomfort, and experiences no cough, but a chest X-ray reveals shadows in the lungs, and subsequent tests show a negative sputum smear for TB bacteria but a positive ba...
Dr. Wu Yingxun Reply:
Hello: It is still classified as open, with a transmissibility of 17%.[Read More] Understanding Latent vs. Active Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know
Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Coughing and sneezing with the presence of blood-tinged sputum, blood streaks, or blood spots? The patient has a long-term history of post-nasal drip and gastroesophageal reflux, has been taking cholesterol-lowering medication for an extended period, exercises infrequently, and h...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Based on the above, it seems that the microvasculature of the nasal cavity, throat, or trachea is relatively fragile and can easily rupture and bleed due to increased pressure (such as from coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects). The bleeding is usually minimal and ...[Read More] Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Next Steps for Patients
Understanding X-Ray Findings: Are 'Snowflake Opacities' a Sign of Lung Cancer?
X-ray examination issues? Hello Doctor, I have been coughing for the past few months. A couple of days ago, I woke up to find pink blood in my sputum, and I also have back pain. I have a long history of smoking and am concerned it might be a lung issue, so I went to the hospital ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The X-ray shows a snowflake-like hazy infiltration, which is primarily considered to be due to infection or inflammation. After treatment, a follow-up X-ray can be performed. If the condition persists after two weeks of treatment, further examinations (such as a CT scan) s...[Read More] Understanding X-Ray Findings: Are 'Snowflake Opacities' a Sign of Lung Cancer?
Managing Neck Swelling and Pain in Advanced Lung Cancer Patients
Swelling and pain in the neck? Hello Doctor, my father is 50 years old and has stage IV lung adenocarcinoma. He has completed six cycles of chemotherapy and is resting for a month before starting the seventh cycle. Throughout the process, my father's health has been quite go...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Your father's condition is best understood by the attending physician. First, we would like to thank the medical team for their effective treatment. However, we would like to ask the attending physician if the discomfort in his neck could be a potential side effect of...[Read More] Managing Neck Swelling and Pain in Advanced Lung Cancer Patients
Understanding Emphysema and Chronic Lung Infiltration: Key Insights
Pulmonary emphysema with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates? Hello, I recently had a medical check-up at a medical center in Kaohsiung. The chest X-rays (frontal and right lateral views) showed: a curved aorta, hyperinflation of the lungs, emphysema with chronic infiltrates in both ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Chest X-ray findings can vary greatly. For example, a tall and slender person may appear to have emphysema or chronic pulmonary infiltrates, which could be associated with a history of chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, or exposure to dust in the work environment. It is r...[Read More] Understanding Emphysema and Chronic Lung Infiltration: Key Insights
Can I Dive or Skydive After Heart Surgery and Pneumothorax?
Diving or skydiving activities? Hello, doctor. I underwent surgery for a ventricular septal defect when I was 3 years old and had surgery for a spontaneous pneumothorax at 16. I am currently 26 years old and can participate in various sports like a normal person without any disco...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Skydiving may not pose any issues, but diving is generally less suitable for patients with pneumothorax. It is advisable to first undergo a CT scan to assess whether there are any remaining small air bubbles in the lungs (which could rupture due to pressure). If there are ...[Read More] Can I Dive or Skydive After Heart Surgery and Pneumothorax?
Managing Symptoms of Pulmonary Edema: Non-Medical Approaches
How to alleviate symptoms of pleural effusion before seeking medical attention? Hello Dr. Huang, my family member is 43 years old and lives abroad, making it inconvenient for him to seek medical care. I would like to ask if there are any non-pharmacological methods to alleviate h...
Dr. Huang Yiwen Reply:
Dear Hsieh Jola: The symptoms of pleural effusion include persistent shortness of breath, occurring both day and night. While it may resemble asthma, it is important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is not advisable to engage in strenuous exercise ...[Read More] Managing Symptoms of Pulmonary Edema: Non-Medical Approaches
Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Risks, and Management in Elderly Patients
Pleural effusion Hello doctor, my grandfather is in his 80s and has a history of hypertension, diabetes, asthma, poor lung function, oxygen deficiency, and excessive phlegm (he used to smoke). He has been hospitalized for about 15 days. Today, the doctor explained that he may hav...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: It's best to consult the attending physician to better understand the overall condition and treatment direction for grandpa.[Read More] Understanding Pleural Effusion: Causes, Risks, and Management in Elderly Patients
Understanding Lung Calcification in Children: When to Consider CT Scans
Discovery of pulmonary calcification issues? A 7-year-old child was found to have a pulmonary calcification (one calcified area) at the end of October 2016. Follow-up X-rays were taken in November and January, and on January 24, the doctor reviewed the new and old X-rays and repo...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: Calcified nodules may be scar tissue resulting from previous inflammation, and their shape and size are unlikely to change significantly. Since they occupy only a very small portion of the lungs, they will not affect respiratory function. It is recommended that no further ...[Read More] Understanding Lung Calcification in Children: When to Consider CT Scans
Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Screening for Non-Smokers
Regarding lung adenocarcinoma? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my mother, who is in her 50s. She undergoes annual health check-ups and regularly gets chest X-rays. Her overall health is good, her diet is normal, and she does not smoke. There is no family history of lung ...
Dr. Yang Wenda Reply:
Hello: The causes of cancer are still not clearly understood, with both environmental and genetic factors playing a role. It is recommended to have regular X-ray examinations annually, and considering low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans of the lungs every 2-3 years is also ad...[Read More] Understanding Lung Adenocarcinoma: Risks and Screening for Non-Smokers
Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Testing
I have been experiencing chest pain for three weeks? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to explain my situation. I had a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan last June, which showed no issues. However, since the Lunar New Year this year, I have been experiencing intermitt...
Dr. Zhang Ziyan Reply:
Hello, Xiao Rong. If there were no significant issues in the previous LDCT and there was no mention of the need for regular follow-up, based on the symptoms mentioned, the likelihood of developing a new tumor is relatively low. It may be worth considering a consultation with a ca...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Further Testing